If you’ve ever been into gaming, you already know the kind of excitement that comes when a new console lands on your table. That little heartbeat moment before unboxing it, the fresh smell of packaging, and the thought that hours of pure fun are waiting for you. Well, that’s exactly what I felt recently when I finally unboxed my old PlayStation 4 — yes, in 2025!
Now, you might be wondering — why the PS4 when the world is running behind the PS5? Simple answer: budget, nostalgia, and practicality. I had my PS4 sitting around for a while, and after seeing how second-hand units are selling these days for ₹18,000–₹20,000, I thought, why not revisit this legend and see if it still holds up?Let’s just say, the experience didn’t disappoint one bit.
PlayStation 4 Unboxing Feel — Like Meeting an Old Friend
The box may not look flashy anymore compared to the PS5, but there’s something about the blue-and-white PlayStation 4 packaging that just gives a premium vibe. Mine was the 1TB Mega Pack edition, which originally came with four legendary games — God of War, Detroit: Become Human, The Last of Us, and Horizon Zero Dawn.
As I lifted the console out of the box, I could literally feel the solid build quality that Sony is known for. Even after all these years, the PlayStation 4 feels sturdy and modern. It’s compact, sleek, and still looks like a proper gaming beast.
Inside the box, you get the basics — the console itself, one DualShock 4 controller, power cable, HDMI cable, a micro-USB charging cable for the controller, and some paperwork that no one really reads.
The controller, though, deserves a special mention. The DualShock 4 might be old now, but it still feels amazing in hand — lightweight yet solid, and those responsive analog sticks make gameplay so satisfying.
Setting It Up — Plug and Play Simplicity
One of the biggest reasons people love PlayStations 4 over PCs is the simplicity. You literally just plug it in, connect it to your TV, log in to your PlayStation account, and boom — you’re ready to game.
No driver updates, no “graphics card not detected” drama, nothing. Within minutes, I was scrolling through the PlayStation 4 ’s clean user interface. It’s smooth, organized, and feels like home if you’ve ever used a PlayStation before.
The moment I inserted my God of War disc, nostalgia hit me. The roar of Kratos, the heavy music, the sharp visuals — everything came alive instantly.
Performance — Still Holds Up Surprisingly Well
Let’s be honest — 2025 isn’t kind to old tech. But the PlayStation 4, especially the 1TB model, still performs like a champ. Whether it’s God of War, GTA V, or The Last of Us, the gameplay is smooth, the graphics still shine, and the overall performance is rock-solid.
Unlike PCs, where you often struggle with frame rates and optimization, PlayStation titles are perfectly tuned for the console. Sony’s ecosystem makes sure every game runs exactly how it should.
Even the fan noise and heat are surprisingly under control. Mine is a bit dusty now (after years of chilling on a shelf), but still works flawlessly.
And let’s talk about graphics — while it doesn’t have 4K like the PS4 Pro or PS5, the visual quality on a Full HD TV is still stunning. The colors, textures, and lighting are way beyond what you’ll get from a ₹20,000 gaming PC.
The Games Library — Pure Gold
If you’re someone who values story-driven games, the PlayStation 4 is like a treasure chest. From God of War to Spider-Man, Uncharted 4, The Last of Us, and Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll find some of the best titles ever made in the history of gaming.
What makes it even better is that most of these older games now come at discounted prices, both online and in stores. So you can build a solid collection without breaking the bank.
However, here’s one thing you should know — PS4 games are still not “cheap” compared to PC titles. You can easily spend ₹3,000–₹5,000 on a new release. Sure, there’s PlayStation Plus, where you get monthly free games and cloud saves, but overall, gaming on a console will always be costlier in the long run than PC.
Still, when it comes to exclusives, the PlayStation 4 wins hands down. Some of Sony’s best experiences, like Bloodborne and God of War, are exclusive to PlayStation, and honestly, they are worth every rupee.
Buying PlayStation 4 in 2025 — What You Should Know
Now let’s get practical. Is it really worth buying a PlayStation 4 in 2025?Here’s my take after using one again recently.
A brand-new PlayStation 4 costs around ₹25,000 (if you can find it in stock), while a good second-hand unit will easily be available for ₹18,000–₹20,000. At that price, the value-for-money is hard to beat.You’re getting a gaming experience that still rivals mid-range gaming PCs worth ₹60,000.
But — and this is important — Sony has officially shifted focus to the PS5. That means most new titles in the coming years will be optimized mainly for PS5. Many upcoming big releases like GTA 6 and Spider-Man 2 are unlikely to get PS4 versions.
So, while PS4 still delivers amazing gameplay today, it might start feeling outdated in another year or two.
PlayStation 4 vs PC — The Real Talk
This is a debate that never ends. Let’s simplify it. If your main goal is gaming only, and you don’t care about multitasking or mods, go for the PS4 (or PS5 if you can afford it). You’ll get better-optimized games, zero setup hassle, and great exclusives.
But if you want an all-rounder system for gaming, work, editing, or streaming, then a PC is a smarter investment.
A ₹20,000 PC can’t match the PS4 in gaming performance, but it’ll let you do many other things that a console simply can’t — from browsing to assignments to productivity.
At the end of the day, both platforms have their charm. I personally love the PS4 because of that “console feel” — sitting back on a couch, controller in hand, and losing yourself in a game like God of War. That’s something a keyboard and mouse just can’t replace.
My Honest Verdict — Is PlayStation 4 Still Worth It?
Absolutely yes… but with conditions.If you’re a casual gamer or someone getting into console gaming for the first time, the PS4 in 2025 is still a solid choice. It’s affordable, reliable, and has a massive library of timeless games.
But if you’re a hardcore gamer who wants the latest titles, 4K visuals, or future-proof performance, you might want to save up and go for the PS5 instead.
In my case, the PS4 still gives me that rush of excitement every time I pick up the controller. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s just the comfort of familiar games — but there’s something truly special about it.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, after dusting off my old console and spending a few days replaying God of War and GTA V, I can confidently say — the PlayStation 4 is far from dead.
It may not be the latest tech anymore, but it still delivers powerful performance, jaw-dropping visuals, and that signature PlayStation gaming experience that made millions fall in love with it.
If you spot a good deal online or from a trusted seller, go ahead and grab one. You won’t regret it.
